One is a “quiller.” The other draws and paints from nature’s tapestry. While the third is a student of art and spirituality.
Together, they make for an explosion of colour and wonder at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery, which is about to open its doors for its next set of exhibitions.
As the administrator of the art gallery/museum, Sherry MacFarlane says one of the unexpected pleasures of going to work has been the opportunity to meet these talented and diverse artists.
“The ones that come through the gallery’s doors are all so uniquely different, not only in their work, but in their lives, past and present, with all of life’s experiences influencing and shaping their work,” she said. “Some of the art has been profound, some whimsical, some educational, and all of it entertaining. The added bonus for me is that I not only get to see their work, but I get to know the artists.”
Visitors to the gallery starting Thursday should have the same experience when the doors open to exhibitions by Mary Walker, Martha Moore and Carrie Harper, who all now call the Okanagan home.
Ontario-born artist Walker recently retired to the Okanagan, with a history of travel in between.
Through that time, she has developed her skills as a “quiller,” which is an art form that goes back to the 15th century and involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued together to create decorative designs.
“Mary’s show, Story in Repository, is not only a story about the art of quilling, but also how this ancient art form tells the story about ourselves, nature and how history has influenced us and will continue to teach us about ourselves and the environment we live in,” said MacFarlane.
Raised in Calgary, Moore has spent the last 30 years in Alberta and Ontario. Her background is in broadcast journalism and corporate communications.
She credits her move to the North Okanagan’s Predator Ridge community as the motivation behind her shift from interpreting her world through writing to drawing and now painting.
“Martha’s show, Nature’s Tapestry, represents the four elements of nature: earth, water, air, and fire,” said MacFarlane. “Through her chosen palette of strong earthy colours and textures, expressive strokes and mark making she captures the essence and qualities of these elements.”
A mixed media artist living in Kelowna, Harper believes that art and spirituality are one and the same.
Harper has recently built a cultural hub called heART school in Kelowna, where nine artists work from the space and countless musicians, poets and dancers visit and collaborate.
In her art, Harper uses collage, paint, and drawing materials as well as other unexpected mediums.
“Carrie’s show, Wave Guides and Apple Box Girls, is sure to demonstrate that art is the story of human connection and in our world how it sets culture, community and the hum of how we live,” said MacFarlane, adding, “Please join us in experiencing the world through their eyes.”
All three exhibitions open Thursday with an artists’ reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The work is on view until Aug. 31.
Visit www.asmas.ca or call 250-546-8318 for more information.
